JSA’s fearless and dedicated leader, Wayne Sumner, was awarded “The Order of the Long Leaf Pine at our annual Christmas Party last weekend, and we can not think of anyone more deserving of this incredible honor.

Read more about Wayne and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine below in this short press release:

Wayne Sumner, President of Jackson Sumner and Associates from Boone, NC was awarded by Governor Roy Cooper the highly prestigious and honorable “Order of the Long Leaf Pine” award on December 4, at the company’s annual Christmas Party.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is “among the most prestigious awards conferred by the Governor of North Carolina,” its website states. “It is awarded to persons for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina and their communities that is above and beyond the call of duty and which has made a significant impact and strengthened North Carolina.”

Wayne Sumner is incredibly involved in his community in the High Country. From his involvement as former Chairman of the Boone Rural Fire Protection Board, to his charitable donations to several local non-profit organizations, to his continued to support of Appalachian State University, Wayne has demonstrated his love and commitment to his community.

Wayne has contributed to the university in countless ways through his service, dedication, and commitment to a range of departments at Appalachian State University, as well as its students.

”Wayne’s influence is felt throughout our campus,” former Chancellor Kenneth Peacock said. “His longstanding leadership and involvement have had a powerful impact on this campus — one from which we continue to benefit every day.”

In 2012, Wayne was awarded the Outstanding Service Award from Appalachian State University for his service and support of the university and the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center. His personal contributions and fundraising efforts on behalf of the college have helped send students and faculty to study at Lloyd’s of London, and supported the Independent Agents Distinguished Professorship in the college.

Wayne was awarded again in 2013 with the opening of the Wayne L. Sumner Broadcast Studio for the new home of WASU Radio, Appalachian State University’s completely student-run radio station. This studio serves as a testament to his passion and love of radio broadcasting and electronic media, as well as his support for students that share this same passion.

“Wayne’s commitment to the university and the Department of Communication is demonstrated by his contributions of time and energy to the betterment of Appalachian, his service on university boards and councils, and unselfish contributions that support student and faculty excellence,” Dr. Glenda Treadway, dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts, said. “He is a true ‘Black and Gold Mountaineer’ with a heart for service.”

Wayne founded Jackson Sumner & Associates (JSA) in Boone, NC in 1981. The family owned and operated company now has over 80 employees, and services insurance agencies across the Southeast for various types of insurance.

Wayne has served three times as President of the NC Surplus Lines Association, which is a regulatory support organization to the NC Department of Insurance. He has worked with the NCDOI on Surplus Lines issues and assisted in writing the NC Surplus Lines Licensing exam.  In 1997, and again in 2011, Wayne was recognized by the Independent Insurance Agents of NC (IIANC) as Company Professional of the Year. He added efficiency by playing an instrumental part in the electronic filing of Form F’s in NC.

Through Wayne’s guidance, JSA has made a significant impact in the Boone community. The company opened a new office in 2016 that included a Medevac landing zone to better service rescue efforts on the east side of Watauga County. This facility, complete with landing lights and windsock, has saved lives and is accessible to Medevac use 24/7.

Additionally, JSA raises several thousand dollars every year for local charities, which are selected by the employees each year.

Sumner was raised in Wallace, NC before he moved to Boone, NC and graduated from Appalachian State University in 1975 with a BSBA degree.

Other recipients of this highly reputable award include fellow North Carolinians Maya Angelou, Andy Griffith, Michael Jordan, Hugh Morton, and Oprah Winfrey, just to name a few.